To raise public awareness and create synergies among policymakers, industry and stakeholders for the roll-out of intelligent transport systems (ITS), iMobility Challenge hosted yet another demonstration event in Brussels on 18 March 2014 featuring cutting edge developments for vehicle technologies.

This technology demonstration event showcased the newest technologies that are ready to come to market. European Commission Vice President Neelie Kroes commented: “Our economic and environmental future depends on smart solutions for transport: we need to seize every technological opportunity we can get”.

“The technology needed to bring connected cars to consumers is already here,” said Thierry Willemarck, President of project coordinator, FIA Region I. “However, we cannot only think about creating new technologies. The FIA supports smart deployment, which means carefully considered policies and full awareness and consent from motorists. This is why today’s event is so important: it is a chance for all interested parties to come together and reflect on all aspects needed to effectively bring the benefits of new technologies to road users.”

In his introductory remarks Jean-Marc Galles, CEO of CLEPA stated “what you will experience today is a number of energy efficiency and safety technologies developed and made in Europe. Their main benefits are to improve air quality, increase the capacity of transport infrastructure and save lives. But they have also another benefit: they contribute to maintaining the technological leadership of the European automotive industry, creating value and jobs”.

The event included speeches and a panel discussion from top tier automotive suppliers presenting latest vehicle technology innovations in the field of safe, efficient and connected mobility. Throughout the day, there was the opportunity to experience new technologies such as active safety systems, autonomous driving and in-vehicle infotainment. The event offered the opportunity for the exchange of information and expertise between iMobility technology providers, consumer organisations and policy-makers working on relevant legislative frameworks.

At the event’s cocktail Dr Hermann Meyer, CEO of ERTICO – ITS Europe said “We face the same challenges worldwide in the context of increasing urbanisation and mobility demand meeting increasingly scarce resources and space limitations. Deployment of ITS is the cheapest and most effective measure to sustain mobility, save lives and protect the environment.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

The FIA’s three consumer principles for consumer protection with connected cars:• Data Protection: consumers should own all data generated by their vehicle, get clear information about the data gathered and its potential use and be free to share it with service providers of their choice• Consumers’ free choice: consumers should have the right to choose from a variety of safe product functionalities and services• Fair Competition: to ensure consumers free choice a fair aftersales market is needed to allow innovation and a variety of service offers

iMobility ChallengeThis EU funded project by DG Connect of the European Commission is designed to demonstrate the benefits of efficient, safe and smart mobility through new Intelligent Transport System (ITS) solutions. The FIA is leading the coordination of the project, working with partners ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers’ association); CLEPA (European Association of Automotive Suppliers), ERTICO (European Road Transport Telematics Implementation Coordination Organisation) and VTT (Technical Research Center of Finland).http://www.imobilitychallenge.eu/

Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Region I officeFIA Region I represents 112Touring and Motoring Clubs in Europe, the Middle East and Africa from its Brussels office, which total more than 38 million members. The FIA represents the interest of these members as motorists, public transport users, pedestrians and tourists.The FIA’s primary goal is to secure a mobility that is safe, affordable, sustainable and efficient. With these aims in mind, our work focuses on Road Safety, Consumer Protection, Environmental Protection, and the promotion of Sustainable Motoring.http://www.fiaregion1.com/

ERTICO – ITS EuropeERTICO – ITS Europe is a multi-sector, public/private partnership pursuing the development and deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems and Services (ITS). We connect public authorities, industry players, infrastructure operators, users, national ITS associations and other organisations together and work to bring “Intelligence into Mobility”.

The ERTICO work programme focuses on initiatives to improve road safety, security and network efficiency whilst taking into account measures to reduce environmental impact. Our vision is of a future transport system working towards zero accidents, zero delays and fully informed people, where services are affordable and seamless, the environment is protected, privacy is respected and security is provided.http://www.erticonetwork.comhttp://www.ertico.com